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Glossary – SPF record

SPF record

Nikiforov Alexander
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What is SPF (Sender Policy Framework)

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is a mechanism that allows domain owners to specify which IP addresses are authorized to send emails on behalf of their domain. This is done through a special SPF record added to the domain settings in the form of a string consisting of a code. For example, the record may look like this:

v=spf1 ip4:176.57.223.0/24 -all

In this case:

  • v: version of SPF, always equal to v=SPF1;
  • ip4: IP address from which sending emails is allowed;
  • -all: mechanism that defines how to handle emails sent from other IP addresses.

This record is strict and allows emails to be sent only from the specified IP. All other emails will be blocked due to the "-all" mechanism.

How SPF Record Works

When sending an email, the recipient's mail server checks the IP address from which the message was sent and compares it with the list specified in the SPF record. If the IP address is on the list, the email passes the check and goes to the inbox. Otherwise, it may be blocked by the mail provider.

If there is no SPF record, the likelihood of email delivery increases, which opens up opportunities for fraudsters who can send messages on your behalf to steal personal data from subscribers.

Why SPF Record is Necessary

Despite the obvious advantages, many domain owners neglect setting up SPF. Setting this record takes just a few minutes, yet it can significantly reduce the risk of various issues.

The main reasons for setting up SPF:

  • Protecting the domain from spoofing: Fraudsters often send emails pretending to be well-known companies, which can lead to user data leaks.
  • Improving email delivery: Mail providers are more lenient towards senders who have implemented email authentication, including SPF.
  • Additional opportunities: Having an SPF record allows connecting services for obtaining advanced statistics on sent mailings.

How to Set Up SPF for Mailings

To set up an SPF record, you will need access to your domain settings. If you are sending emails only through mail providers, configure SPF in your account by following the instructions from services like Yandex, Google, or Mail.ru.

If you are using a mailing service, you will need to make changes to your domain's DNS record. Note that the SPF record must include all IP addresses from which sending emails is allowed. For example, if you are using multiple services for mailings, you need to combine their IP addresses into one SPF record.

How to Check SPF

To ensure that the SPF record is set up correctly, you can use various services. For example, on platforms like Unisender, a correctly configured SPF record will be marked with a special indicator.

You can also use specialized services like MailTester.com, which will check your SPF record and assess the chances of your email reaching the inbox. They will show an overall rating and the status of email authentication settings.

Thus, setting up an SPF record is an important step in protecting your domain from spoofing, improving email delivery, and ensuring the safety of your subscribers from spam.